Time for a little Straight Talk about credit! Whether we're on the radio or reading our Dolans.com email, credit is, by far, the number one topic of the questions we receive. And lots of those questions have to do with repairing bad credit.

Here's the bottom line, pure and simple: no matter what anyone promises you, there is no "quick fix" to repair damaged credit.

BUT, there ARE plenty of things you can do over time to improve your credit. You can start making an impact right away with the tips we're about to share.

Here are 7 simple, real-life steps you can take to improve your credit standing. Don't waste any more time fretting about your score - take action today and, before you know it, those dings and dents in your credit report will be a thing of the past!